MWRA and Advisory Board host workshop to help communities meet new compliance challenges
As communities across the region work to comply with the latest federal regulations regarding lead and copper in drinking water, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the MWRA Advisory Board are proud to announce an upcoming training workshop: “Lead and Copper Rule Updates: From Inventory to Implementation.” This event, taking place on October 24, 2024, will help water and wastewater professionals understand both the current Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and the anticipated Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). While this workshop is designed as a resource for MWRA communities, it is also open to water professionals outside the MWRA service area, as all public water systems are required to comply with these regulations. Sharing this information widely is a key step in helping the industry meet its regulatory obligations.
Why This Training is Critical
The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), which take effect on October 16, 2024, require public water systems to take significant steps to protect public health. One of the most important requirements is for communities to submit a complete service line inventory by this deadline. This is a serious and actionable deadline—missing it will result in non-compliance with federal regulations. If your community is struggling to complete the inventory, we strongly encourage you to contact the EPA for guidance before the deadline.
Following the inventory submission, public water systems must notify residents with known or potential lead service lines within 30 days of the October 16 deadline. This workshop, hosted just after the deadline, will provide attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to meet this requirement and ensure continued compliance.
By the time of the workshop, the inventory deadline will have passed, so the focus will shift to the next crucial step: notifying residents. With many communities working on this process during the event, we’ll discuss strategies to ensure timely and effective notifications.
Additionally, the required notifications are likely to generate significant public concern and could become a national news story as communities across the country send out these notices. Preparing your local officials with talking points and specific action steps to address residents’ concerns will be vital. The workshop will cover best practices for managing these communications.
What to Expect
Attendees will receive expert guidance on the following topics:
- Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR): Immediate requirements, including public notifications and long-term lead service line replacement strategies.
- Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI): If finalized by the event date, we’ll provide an overview of the new regulations. If not, we’ll share what to expect from the forthcoming changes.
- Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP): An update on MWRA and the Advisory Board’s grant and loan program, designed to help member communities accelerate the removal of lead service lines.
Why Attend?
Staying informed about evolving regulations is critical for both community safety and career advancement. Attendees of this workshop will earn valuable Training Contact Hours (TCHs), necessary for maintaining professional licenses, while learning practical strategies to stay ahead of compliance deadlines.
The workshop will cover:
- Navigating the LCRR and its impact on your water system.
- Meeting the upcoming resident notification deadline.
- Preparing for the potential finalization of the LCRI and its future requirements.
- Leveraging the Lead Service Line Replacement Program to fund local lead remediation programs for MWRA communities.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for water professionals responsible for system operations, compliance, and management. Whether you’ve started implementing the regulations or are seeking guidance on the next steps, this session will offer valuable insights and practical advice.
Event Details
- Date: October 24, 2024
- Location: this will be a virtual workshop hosted on Zoom
- Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpd-ysrT0oGNR3rxeOXSqdETMCEUBUXisJ#/registration
